Sustaining Poverty Reduction through Gender Inclusive Decision-Making Process

Abstract

Women constitute close to 50% of the population of Nigeria. Women contribute to the economic, social and political development of their societies through playing major roles in the production, processing and marketing of goods which the majority of rural and urban population depend on. However, women have been subjected to more poverty and deprivation because of their inferior status to men in gender roles. Through adverse social, institutional and discriminatory cultural practices, women have been denied the adequate opportunities of participating actively in formulating economic, social and political policies. This paper focused on the relationship between inclusive decision making process at different levels of governance and socio-economic enhancement of women. The paper explored qualitative data through unstructured interview of 127 respondents and two Focused Group Discussions conducted in two Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State. The findings confirmed existing data from previous studies that societies with full involvement of women in governance at all levels enhanced their overall socio-economic development. We therefore conclude that gender inclusive decision making process will lead to a reduction in poverty, encourage social and gender equality, rejuvenate socio-economic activity and enhance national development.